Andean

Andean refers to things related to the Andes, the extensive mountain system along the western edge of South America, or to the Andean region that encompasses parts of several countries in western South America. The Andes extend roughly 7,000 kilometers from Venezuela in the north to Chile and Argentina in the south, featuring high peaks, deep valleys, and a range of climates from arid fronts to high-altitude puna and cloud forests on the eastern slopes. The term can describe the geographic, cultural, and historical milieu that arises from this landscape.

The human dimension includes numerous indigenous and mestizo communities. Major language groups include Quechuan and Aymaran, with Spanish dominant in many urban areas. Pre-Columbian civilizations such as Tiwanaku, Wari, and the Inca built enduring cultures in the highlands, aided by terrace farming and sophisticated road networks. The Spanish conquest in the 16th century and subsequent colonial rule reshaped the region’s demographics, economy, and religious practices.

Economically, the Andean region has long combined agriculture adapted to high altitude with mining and trade. Crops such as potatoes, quinoa, maize, and barley are common, alongside livestock. In modern times, mining, manufacturing, and tourism also contribute significantly. Andean culture remains prominent in music, textiles, crafts, and festivals, with instruments like panpipes and the charango widely associated with highland traditions.

Ecologically, the Andean zone supports diverse biomes, including dry western slopes, high-elevation puna, and humid eastern slopes, contributing to rich biodiversity and important watershed systems. The term Andean thus encompasses geography, communities, and a distinctive agrarian and cultural heritage.